Anyone caught travelling without a ticket, or having paid for a contactless fare, on Nottingham Express Transit has been warned that from 1st May 2026 it will cost them more with an increase in the penalty fare confirmed.
From 1st May 2026 the cost of a penalty fare notice (PFN) will increase from £70 to £120, with a new early payment discount also being introduced which will see the cost of first time offenders reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Nottingham Express Transit have a “zero tolerance” commitment to fare dodgers which was introduced in 2023 to cut down on fare evasion. They are reinforcing the message that fare evasion is theft, and anyone caught doing so will receive the “no questions asked” PFN.
In 2025, over 10,000 people were caught travelling without a valid ticket, and NET are hoping the increase in PFN will deter other fare dodgers from trying their luck.
Tim Hesketh, CEO at NET, said: “Fare evasion is theft, and isn’t something we take lightly, so this PFN increase acts as a way for us to strengthen this message by increasing the risk for those who see it as something trivial. If left unpaid, a PFN leaves the recipient liable for prosecution with a further fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record next to their name too. We’re all aware that if you’re caught shoplifting you would expect to be prosecuted, so similarly, anyone caught travelling without a valid ticket – which is a crime – should expect to be treated accordingly.
“The last time we increased the cost of a PFN was five years ago, and while the cost of a PFN is much higher now, there are also more options available due to the early payment discount.
“Just like most of the public who pay for their ticket and use the trams properly, we want to ensure that our network is safe to use, and reducing fare dodging is part of that. By paying for your ticket, you’re also helping to support this vital transport infrastructure in the city, that thousands of people rely on to get to work, visit family and more.
“If anyone is ever unsure on how to purchase their ticket or validate their pass, there are signs to assist people at each tram stop, as well as help points that give you the chance to speak to a member of the team to answer any questions.”
- Full details of NET’s Penalty Fares and Appeals process can be found at https://www.thetram.net/penalty-fares